Music has always been a constant for singer/songwriter Lanita Smith. The Memphis-bred triple threat grew up in the church and since has performed on national television, as well as around the world.
Not only is she a singer and songwriter, but she is also an accomplished musician. Lanita was handpicked by Don Was as the winner of Guitar Center’s “Singer Songwriter 4. “
Through her affiliation with the LA Chapter of The Recording Academy, Lanita met her mentor – songwriter Mozella (Maureen McDonald). Lanita has worked with award-winning artists and producers such as Aaron Neville, Ty Dolla $ign, Kanye West, Sia, Starrah, Chance The Rapper, and Teddy Riley, just to name a few. She also co-founded Little Monarch with Casey Kalmenson, whose single “No Matter What” has reached over 22.5 million streams on Spotify.
Based in Los Angeles and Memphis, Lanita has performed at Coachella, Jackson’s R&B Festival, The Troubadour, Hotel Cafe, and more recently with Kanye West’s Sunday Service as a member of the touring choir. Lanita is currently working on new music.
We sat down with the multi-talented artist to get to know a little more about her…
Bridge: How would you describe your music to listeners?
LS: I am a storyteller at heart. I love acoustic music. I would like to think of music as soothing, about life, people, pretty much anything. My tone is a mix between Mali Music and India Arie.
Bridge: Right in that sweet spot, I love it. Where do you draw your inspiration as an artist from?
LS: I draw inspiration from everywhere. Watching a movie, sitting in a restaurant, talking to friends, reading a book, working out. A lot of times I find concepts from random places, but they end up being great songs.
Bridge: You’ve done so much incredible work, but what has been the most rewarding part of being in the music industry?
LS: Doing what I love daily. I absolutely love what I do. It may not always be easy, but nothing has ever been for me. Music is a part of me.
Bridge: Can you tell us what current projects/releases do you have going on?
LS: I just produced a Christmas record for some friends called, “Christmas Time.” Next year I plan to release music. I currently have spent a lot of 2021 writing and arranging for myself and other artists/companies. I’m also a part of the Sunday Service Collective.
Bridge: What is your favorite song you’ve written so far and why?
LS: I would have to say a record called “Complicated.” The song embodies me as an artist along with it’s so fun to sing. Had a great time putting it together as well.
Bridge: You’ve worked with so many amazing artists, but who would be your dream collaboration?
LS: Writer – Ester Dean. Artist – Jessie J. Producer – Pharrell.
Bridge: Big picture, what are your visions and goals for your music in 2022?
LS: To reach the masses. I want my music to be international. I really want to be a breakthrough artist/songwriter in 2022. It’s one thing for some people to know who you are, but it’s another for the world to know you.
